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Why did Jawaharlal Nehru support Indian industrialization?
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Jawaharlal Nehru
As India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru was in office for more than 16 years, making him the country's longest-serving prime minister.
Jawaharlal Nehru supported Indian industrialization as a core component of his vision for a modern, independent nation. As a Fabian socialist, Nehru believed in the necessity of economic planning to overcome the stagnation and wealth drain inherited from nearly two centuries of colonial rule.12
Unlike Mahatma Gandhi, who held an aversion to industrialization, Nehru viewed heavy manufacturing and infrastructure development as essential for India's progress. His approach was characterized by:3
- State-Directed Growth: Inspired by Soviet economic models, Nehru chaired the Planning Commission to prioritize public investment in steel mills, railroads, and electric power generation.12
- Democratic Socialism: He championed democratic socialism as a guiding principle, aiming to build a self-reliant economy that could provide for its citizens while maintaining democratic institutions.3
- International Cooperation: Nehru leveraged India's policy of nonalignment to secure technical assistance and capital from both Cold War blocs, turning industrial projects into symbols of international coexistence.1
Through these efforts, India significantly increased its industrial output, becoming one of the world's most advanced industrial nations in terms of absolute value by the end of his tenure.12